Seasonal allergies cause runny noses, itchy and watery eyes, but can allergies also make you fatigued and just sick?
FACT
This is definitely allergy season. Heavy wind days can also increase the amount of dust, tree and grass and other pollens in the air.
People usually think of allergies as just causing runny noses, sinus congestion, itchy and watery eyes. But seasonal allergies can also trigger headaches, generalized fatigue, and worsen lung conditions like asthma and emphysema.
When a person encounters an allergen, the body produces an IgE protein which latches onto the allergen and triggers an immune response from the body causing histamines and other inflammatory chemicals to be released.
Remember treating your allergies with antihistamines like Benadryl, nasal decongestants like Sudafed, allergy medications like Zyrtec and Claritin, as well as managing your lung conditions will be key. And don’t forget to limit your time outside as well to stay away from potential allergens.
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Don’t give your child peanuts until they are at least 1-year-old.
FICTION
In 2000, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) had recommended that parents avoid giving their children peanuts until age 3. But, the AAP changed their recommendations in 2008, as they started to see a huge increase in peanut allergies in children due to allergen avoidance. In 2017, the AAP has now extended their recommendations for the early introduction of peanuts and eggs to even high-risk infants.
Infants with no medical problems can have peanuts, dairy and eggs freely added to their infant’s diet once they start to eat solid foods. Infants with mild to moderate eczema, who can be prone to peanut allergies, are also now recommended to start introducing peanuts at 6 months.
Infants with severe eczema or egg allergies are recommended to work with their providers to have allergy testing done, and then to start peanuts at 4-6 months. This is based on research which shows delaying the introduction of these foods has actually lead to an increase in children with these type of food allergies.
Peanuts and peanut butter should be avoided in this age group due to the potential for choking, but peanut butter could be mixed into pureed fruits and vegetables until your infant is able to eat more solid foods.
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Marijuana can be used to treat seizures in children.
MAYBE
The FDA will meet to discuss if a new medication called Epidiolex, which contains cannabinoid (CBD) oil, can be used as a treatment for children with severe seizures which are resistant to available medications.
Epidiolex does contain less than 0.1 percent of THC, which is the active ingredient which can give users a high. It would be the first medication containing plant-based marijuana to obtain FDA approval.
In 3 clinical trials, more than 500 children were given the CBD-containing experimental drug versus placebo. Children taking the experimental drug had a 40 percent decrease in their seizures as compared to those in the placebo group who saw a 15-20 percent decrease.
The biggest side effect was possible liver injury, but this was controlled by monitoring drug levels. This is the first pharmaceutical drug which could be given FDA-approval status made from marijuana.
Marijuana is considered a high-risk substance by the FDA currently, similar to heroin and LSD currently. The FDA will make its final decision on approval for Epidiolex in late June.
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